Kilimo Trust, in partnership with Egerton University, is advancing plans to establish a Joint Centre of Excellence in Regenerative Agriculture, marking a significant step in driving sustainable agricultural innovation in East Africa. A ceremonial groundbreaking is expected next month at the university’s Agro-Science Park.

The announcement follows a high-level meeting between Egerton University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, and Kilimo Trust Kenya Country Team Leader, Mr. Anthony Mugambi. The Centre is currently undergoing statutory and institutional approvals, with the first phase of development estimated to cost approximately KES 40 million.

Prof. Kibwage welcomed the partnership, highlighting that it aligns with national and continental priorities for sustainable food systems and demonstrates Egerton University’s commitment to knowledge-driven agricultural transformation.

Speaking on behalf of Kilimo Trust, Mr. Anthony Mugambi emphasized that the Centre will serve as a regional platform for climate- smart agriculture, carbon-credit and bio-economy research, and private sector innovation. “The Centre will be open to researchers, students, and farming communities, enabling collaboration and knowledge sharing across the region,” he said.

According to Prof. Paul Kimurto, Director of the Agro-Science Park, the Centre will function as a hub for research, innovation, and capacity development in climate-smart and regenerative agriculture. It will feature demonstration farms, farmer and extension training programs, agribusiness incubation, and collaborative applied research. “This initiative strengthens Egerton University’s mandate in agricultural sciences and positions the Agro-Science Park as a regional hub for regenerative agriculture, agri-value chains development, and technology transfer,” said Prof. Kimurto.

The Centre of Excellence will be developed with support from the IKEA Foundation, which is already partnering with Kilimo Trust and Egerton University to help rice farmers and other value chain actors in Kenya and Uganda transition to regenerative rice farming methods that improve livelihoods while restoring and protecting the environment.

The research component of the project is led by Prof. Kimurto and Prof. Ondiek, Chair of Animal Science, with contributions from MSc and PhD students in field experimentation and data generation.

The Joint Centre of Excellence embodies a new model of university–industry–development collaboration, with the potential to influence policy, enhance farmer resilience, and strengthen value chains amid growing climate challenges in East Africa.